Megan Thee Stallion, Patricia Arquette, and Busy Philipps were the leading advocates for pro-choice at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Spring Into Action Gala held at Cipriani South Street in Lower Manhattan. The event was a benefit for the 107-year-old non-profit organization, with individual tickets sold out and tables priced between $10K and $250K. Planned Parenthood has faced backlash from Republican lawmakers following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in 2022, a decision that was made despite Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh having previously declared it to be ‘precedent’ and ‘settled law’. Megan Thee Stallion used her platform to call out the lawmakers for their actions, asserting that ‘My body, my motherf***ing choice!’.
In August 2022, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a law dating back to 1864 that bans nearly all abortions, while Kansas voters rejected an anti-abortion amendment and Ohio voters approved an amendment enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution. Megan Thee Stallion, known for hits like ‘Savage’ and ‘WAP’, was honored at the gala, where she dressed her tall figure in an elegant black cocktail dress. The three-time Grammy winner, who is gearing up for her Hot Girl Summer Tour, has already sold out 13 concerts of her upcoming 34-date tour. Patricia Arquette, a 56-year-old Oscar winner, also took the stage to deliver an acceptance speech, sharing her experience of working at Planned Parenthood as a teenager and expressing her admiration for the organization’s work in reproductive healthcare.
Busy Philipps, known for her roles in ‘Freaks and Geeks’ and ‘Cougar Town’, donned a mustard-colored floral frock at the gala, supporting the cause with a ‘Don’t F*** With Us’ sweatshirt that donates proceeds to Planned Parenthood. The event was hosted by comedian Susie Essman, who brought her trademark humor to the stage, and attended by a host of celebrities and activists. Molly Ringwald, Sandra Bernhard, and AnnaSophia Robb were among the attendees, showing their support for Planned Parenthood’s mission. The gala also saw the presence of political figures like Lieutenant Governor of New York Antonio Delgado, highlighting the importance of reproductive rights in the current political climate.
The Spring Into Action Gala was a star-studded event that brought together advocates for reproductive rights and supporters of Planned Parenthood’s work. The attendees, including Megan Thee Stallion, Patricia Arquette, and Busy Philipps, used their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of access to safe and legal abortion. The event showcased the ongoing challenges faced by organizations like Planned Parenthood in the fight for reproductive rights, amidst political opposition and legal obstacles. The honorees and speakers at the gala emphasized the integral role that Planned Parenthood plays in providing essential healthcare services to women and marginalized communities.
The presence of celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Patricia Arquette at the gala drew attention to the ongoing attacks on reproductive rights and the need for continued advocacy and support for organizations like Planned Parenthood. The event served as a platform for these stars to voice their support for women’s healthcare and stand in solidarity with organizations working to protect reproductive rights. The gala also highlighted the importance of grassroots activism and community support in advocating for policies that uphold reproductive autonomy and healthcare access for all individuals. In the face of legal challenges and political opposition, events like the Spring Into Action Gala serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for reproductive justice and the crucial work being done by organizations like Planned Parenthood.
